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Month: September 2015

Food can make or break a wedding reception. Many hours of thought and preparation have to go into what you’ll serve your guests on your wedding day. As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail. When it comes to wedding food, failing to plan is planning to welcome a food disaster. You don’t want your wedding to be remembered because of how bad the food was or how you ran out of food. Have a look at some of the top wedding food disasters and how you can avoid them.

1. Bad Food

The most common wedding disaster is bad, boring food. It usually results from food not being as fresh as it ought to be. Food can become unappetizing if it’s not originally cooked, reheated or maintained at the appropriate temperature. Other than having an unpleasant taste, such food can also cause food poisoning.
Try to be sensible with the choice of your menu. The summer heat, limited refrigeration and an outdoor reception should influence your choice of food. Serving ice cream at a venue that doesn’t have a permanent freezer is inviting trouble. Pick food that won’t go bad between the time it’s cooked and the time it’s delivered. Alternatively, serve your food directly after it’s cooked. A fresh or dairy-based cake will spoil if left to stand too long. Display it for not more than 30 minutes before cutting and serving it.

2. Allergic Reaction

There’s always the possibility of one or more guests having one of the many intolerances, allergies or hypersensitivities out there. If you’re insensitive, such guests will be left starving, having to fill up on crackers or even worse, needing urgent medical attention.
When sending out invitations, ask guests to fill out any special dietary needs in their RSVP. Check the requests carefully and discuss them with your caterer. A good caterer will always be willing to make provisions for the guests with individual needs.

3. Late Booking

Catering companies that offer quality services get booked even a year in advance. The more you wait before booking, the higher your chances of missing out on these companies and having to settle for less. By booking inexperienced caterers, you risk experiencing bad service, rude behaviour and even withdrawal from your wedding at the last minute because of double booking or lack of staff.
Booking a caterer should be one of your top priorities after you’ve chosen the date. This will give you enough time to check out different caterers before settling on the most suitable one.

4. Poor Communication

Many couples have a clear picture of how they’d like their wedding to be in their head. Some don’t share this vision with their caterers. This can result in the served food being different from the couple’s expectations.
Throughout planning, you should be clear and precise about what you want. Share your vision with your caterer. Give clear instructions on what you want to be served, how you want it served, how you expect the caterer to behave and any other expectations. Failing to do so will make your caterer operate in their default mode. Don’t forget to schedule a food tasting to find out if your order is spot on or needs to be adjusted.

5. No Plan B

Power failure, vehicle breakdowns, ill staff member –these are just some of the unplanned-for events that can create a massive disaster. If your caterer has no plan B to respond to emergencies, they won’t complete the service as previously agreed.
Before hiring any caterer, find out whether they have a backup plan. What will they do in case a key staff member falls sick or if there is a power blackout? Do they have a generator? Don’t be afraid of asking such questions. The caterer you hire should be able to plan for all contingencies.

6. Insufficient Food

Running out of food can be as a result of failing to double check the number of guests or craftily trying to reduce catering costs by giving the caterer a lower guest number. Consequently, some of your guests will remain hungry for the rest of the event.
During the planning process, keep monitoring the number of your guests. Give the caterer the exact number to allow them to plan appropriately. If there’s a change on your guest list, communicate it to your caterer. If your budget can’t accommodate all your guests, your caterer will be able to offer some cost-effective solutions.
Now that you are aware of the top food disasters, hire a quality caterer and take the necessary measures to keep nasty surprises at bay.

Bride and Groom, your roles are clear — get yourselves happily hitched, giving everyone a great day out while you do.

So what about the rest of the wedding party bunch?

The order of play is a lot more blurred these days, when brides may balk at being ‘given away’, couples often fund part of the wedding, and parents of the groom want a greater part of the action.

But whether it’s full-on tradition, or alternative modern-mode, there’s a part for everyone to play.

Far from an exhaustive list, we bring you the bare essentials for the wedding party pile.

Her Folks

• Parents of the bride, you are pivotal — no pressure, but it’s up to you to hold it all together
• To kick off, host a small (or large) engagement gathering to celebrate the announcement
• Once you have that behind you, work the guest list into shape along with the blissful couple
• Dad – walk her up the aisle if she wants you to, open with a short toast at the reception, dance with your daughter, and be there till the bitter end, whatever time it might wrap
• Mother of the bride — you are Chief Diplomat in Residence. As liaison point for wedding suppliers, you’ll be busy honing your organisational skills
• Unfortunately, limiting the number of guests could fall under your remit where required
• One of your key tasks is to choose the dress you want and make sure the groom’s mother wears something nowhere near as glamorous

His Folks

• For good or for bad, you are the Back Up Brigade
• Provide a list of your guests to the couple, and hopefully stick within your quota
• Although not a must, you might host post-engagement or pre-reception drinks, and get the two families together
• The rehearsal dinner on the evening before the wedding may be in your court, and you might choose to contribute to some wedding expenses

Maid of Honour/Chief bridesmaid

• You’re the Champion Cheerlead cum Bottlewasher Extraordinaire — you’ll also need to bring your jollying skills to the fore
• Juggling the bridesmaids’ activities is your job, from dress fittings to movements on the day
• Orchestrate the hen night out in a way that keeps your bride healthy and sane
• Muck in to assist with all the logistics in the lead up to the wedding
• On the big day, you are Super Sidekick Girl, helping the bride get ready, keeping her calm before the ceremony and cool before the reception
• You’ll hold her bouquet during the vows, and sign the marriage license as witness of the bride
• Now you’re on the home run, backing up the bride and her mother as Hostess Supreme, and hitting the dance floor with the best man once the bride and groom have had their chance

Bridesmaids

• Girls, you are the Wondrous Wing Backs, assisting the maid of honour with her wedding-planning duties and her hen night escapades, and supporting the bride as and when you’re needed
• You’ll walk the walk in the processional, look after any flower girls and ring-bearing boys, and play professional minglers through the rest of the day

Best Man

• Think of yourself as the Canny Centre Forward, driving the groom towards his destiny
• The stag night is yours to arrange (keep it clean!)
• Get the groomsmen fitted out like kings, and make sure to pick up the groom’s outfit for the day
• Get him to the church on time!
• You’ll guard the rings (or help the young ring-bearer), sign as witness to the groom, and keep the fee to pay the officiant
• Coordinate toasts at the reception before your big moment arrives — when it’s time for your speech, take a deep breath, you’ll play a blinder
• Just one more formal requirement before you relax — your dance with the maid of honour
• Don’t forget — it’s your job to get any rented formalwear back from whence it came

Groomsmen

• You are the Meeters and Greeters of the Court
• Without too much to do beforehand (though offering to take on any tasks from the best man and groom will score you points), your duties kick in on the day
• Seating guests and ushering the crowd during the ceremony and between reception points is your responsibility
• Remember, at traditional Christian ceremonies guests of the bride’s family sit on the left, and guests of the groom’s family on the right.

But for most of us mere mortals, just one will do. We’ve a few pointers to kickstart your search for the perfect cake solution.

Sizing the issue

Should it be round or square? Tall or small? Or maybe it’s not a cake at all — brides and grooms of late have been swapping the traditional slab for all kinds of tasty alternatives. Cascading cup cakes and masses of mouth-watering macaroons have been trending on the cake stands of late.

How big should it be? Work out your guest list limit, and size what you need from there. Most experts agree the popular choice is a three tier job. As a rough guide, a 10″, 8″, 6”, arrangement will cater for up to 200 guests.

Fill of your fancy

One of the most widely requested cakes these days is of the chocolate biscuit variety — it’s rich, decadent and downright delicious. But it’s not for everyone. The homemade Madeira is an age-old tradition, while a rich fruit cake with marzipan has also been a staple throughout the years (this is one you might want to ponder if you plan on keeping a tier for a later date).

It’s also not unusual to have different fillings on a combination of tiers, a great solution if the bride and groom are battling over choice!

Another idea to mull over, particularly where the budget is in the balance, is to make a small version of your dream cake for cutting and display, adding sheet cakes that can be plated up in the kitchen.

Look sharp

To frost or not to frost? You might like soft (usually buttercream) icing, or maybe you’ll opt for the harder royal variety. Some folk want lavish, edible adornments, while others prefer simple fresh ingredients on top.

It’s all up for grabs, so once you know roughly what’s on offer, throw out the rule book and agree what works for you.

Ask yourself:
• What’s your style in general? If you’re a sharp-sculpted-corners kind of couple, an intricately embellished, sophisticated piece is likely to appeal. If you’re a ‘keep it fresh and simple’ kind of pair, you’ll want something gentler on the eye.
• What type of wedding are you having and what type of venue is it in? Vintage vaudeville in a stately home will call for something delicate but grand. Rustic rural is a whole different kettle of fish.
• Consider the time of year. If it’s a winter wedding, rich fillings on the inside, gilded with steely glamour on the out, might just fit the bill. On the other hand, a mid-summer day celebration could call for lighter, zesty tastes with seasonal fresh fruit topping.

Ultimately, finding a baker you can work with is the key to your cake solution.

Berta’s avant-garde designs have taken over the bridal world by storm. Her artistic approach to bridal fashion have managed to surprise even the most veteran fashion editors and bloggers. Her collections are considered among the most praised and anticipated in the world.

There is something truly mesmerising about an Anna Campbell dress, with designs simply dripping with decadent embellishments, intricately beaded laces, soft pretty tulles and floating silk chiffons. No matter which Anna Campbell bride you may be, when you slip into your dress on your wedding day you will feel timeless, yet not traditional, sexy yet sweet, and truly beautiful – just how every one of our brides should feel on her wedding day

Inspired by French romance, the Gossamer collection is the epitome of timeless, classic elegance and is designed to create a beautiful silhouette for the bride seeking to embody both grace and glamour in a custom crafted gown. Modern flourishes are met with opulent fabrics, vintage touches and the finest of lace. The collection features the intricate detailing and delicate handcrafted embellishments Anna Campbell’s creations are renowned for.

Dresses are available for purchase via worldwide stockists, or through Melbourne based flagship boutiques. Alternatively purchases can also be made online, please visit shop section for more information.
Credits:
Photography | Lost In Love
Hair | 391 Milk and Honey
Makeup | Melonie Santos

When shopping for a wedding dress, the wide variety of dress types available can overwhelm you. The situation could be much worse if you can’t identify a particular style or tell the difference between it and another. Knowledge is power when it comes to finding the most flattering wedding dress. We’ve decided to make things easier for you by giving you information on the different wedding dress silhouettes available.

Empire –Line

The empire-line gown has a raised waistline that starts just under the bust line and flows all the way down to the hem. This style skims over the tummy area and hips to form a straight flow that is ideal for camouflaging trouble spots like short legs and a long torso. It is perfect for pear-shaped brides. The empire style gown is also suitable for pregnant brides because its fluidity nicely accommodates a large belly.

A-Line

The A-line silhouette features a fitted bodice and a skirt that gradually flows out to the ground from below the waist, resembling the outline of the letter ‘A’. It is highly popular because of how flattering it is for almost all shapes. It can make petite brides look taller, create curves for brides with straight figures, downplay a wide waistline and hide lower body flaws. You can modify the fabric, neckline or waistline to emphasize your best assets while hiding your less impressive features. The A-line gown suits any occasion, from a traditional church to a backyard ceremony.

Trumpet

The trumpet gown, sometimes called the fit-and-flare, fits tightly to your body and begins to flare gradually around your mid-thigh. The gradual flare of the skirt resembles the shape of a trumpet’s bell. It is usually confused with the mermaid gown. The two are similar, but the mermaid is more fitted than the trumpet. The trumpet silhouette adds a nice balance of chic and classic to your dress design. It is excellent for accentuating curves.

Mermaid

The mermaid gown tightly embraces the body’s contours from the chest to the knees, or lower, then dramatically flares out to the hem, resembling a fin. It flatters brides with slender figures. Those on the voluptuous side can also use it to accentuate their curves. However, regardless of how perfect your figure is, you should consider whether or not you’ll be comfortable wearing the mermaid style for your wedding. It has a bold design that highlights all curves, so you’ll need to be confident to pull it off.

The Ball Gown

The ball gown style adds a fairytale touch to your wedding. It features a fitted bodice with a dramatic full skirt. It is figure-flattering for most bodies. It is particularly excellent for brides with large busts as it emphasises the waistline, creating an hourglass figure. It is also ideal for pear-shaped and slender figures because it accentuates the waist and conceals any lower-body problem areas. The ball gown wedding dress often features layered tiers, delicate embroidery and elaborate beading embellishments. There are many variations and design opportunities that give you room to make the style suit your preferences.

The Sheath

The sheath dress is closely fitted and hugs the body from the head to toe. If you like simplicity, you can opt for this dress. It shows off your figure without any superfluous details. Its straight, slender lines make petite brides look taller. It is a good choice for brides looking to accentuate slim hips or long legs. It can also nicely frame an hourglass-shaped body. A point to note is that the sheath silhouette will draw the eye to every curve, even those you’d like to hide.

As you look for a silhouette that flatters your body, we’d advise you to try different dress styles. Whatever your final choice, just know you’ll look spectacular because of all the happiness attached to your big day. Don’t stress!

Many brides-to-be envision walking down the aisle with long hair, and not wrongly so. Long hair is more flexible and gives you more hairstyle options to choose from. Many brides have found growing hair to the desired length to be long and agonising. It doesn’t have to be that way for you. We’ve got you covered with some sure-fire tips to help you get those beautiful, long locks you’ve always dreamed of.

Don’t trim every month

On average, your hair’s growth rate is only half an inch per month. By trimming your hair every four weeks, you get rid of that precious new length. Completely ignoring it isn’t helpful either. If split ends are not removed, they travel up the hair shaft and make your hair break off. Get your hair trimmed once every 8 weeks to allow a full inch to grow and only lose a small part of it. However, if your tippy tips get some form of damage, schedule a mini-trim to get rid of them while leaving the rest of your hair intact.

Use hair oil

Hair oil has many benefits. It moisturises your scalp, removes dandruff, makes your hair stronger and adds softness, shine and lustre to it. Some great oils you can use include argan, olive, coconut and jojoba.

Deep condition

Deep conditioning your hair can restore its health. You can get a deep conditioning treatment at a salon or do it on your own. If you prefer the latter option, buy an over the counter treatment and make sure you follow the instructions precisely as written. You could also apply your favourite conditioner once or twice each week in the shower or overnight.

Avoid heat

You might think hair dryers, straighteners, curling tongs and flat irons greatly improve your hair health. In reality, they fry your strands, damage the cuticle and make you get the dreaded split ends quickly. To avoid compromising the growth of your hair, stay away from hot tools or use them less often. Air-dry your hair whenever possible. However, never sleep with damp hair as this will make it prone to damage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the damp hair then gently squeeze it with a towel or old T-shirt to remove excess water. If you must use heat on your hair, make sure you use a good protective spray and a low heat setting if possible.

Massage your scalp

Indulge in a 10-minute scalp massage at least twice a week. Scalp massages increase blood flow which in turn promotes the production of natural oils and growth of hair.

Eat and drink right

This tip may be an old cliché, but it is a highly important one. Loading up on certain nutrients helps promote hair growth. The essential component of hair is keratin, a protein. Anything with lots of protein like eggs, beans and lean meats will be of great value to your hair. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy hair. They help your hair grow and look super silky. Good sources include oily fish and nuts. Other nutrients to add to your diet include iron, zinc, copper, selenium and vitamins A, C and D.

Consider supplements

Biotin and prenatal vitamin supplements can help in the renewal of cells that assist in hair growth. Don’t forget to consult your physician before incorporating any supplement to your diet.

Don’t over wash

Over washing your hair strips it off the natural stuff required to make it grow, making it look dry and more susceptible to greasiness. If you have fine hair, it is okay for you to wash it daily. If your hair is thick or curly, wash it twice. In between the washes, use dry shampoo.

Brush gently

Back-combing and rough brushing weakens strands and pulls hair shafts from the follicles. Therefore, you should brush gently and sparingly. Don’t brush your hair until it’s dry because wet hair follicles are delicate. If you have to brush wet hair, gently work your way from the bottom upwards.

Get a silk pillowcase

As crazy as it may seem, using silk pillowcases assists in hair growth. Cotton and linen pillowcases can pull your hair as you toss and turn in your sleep, making it break. Silk is kind to your hair because it doesn’t bring about any friction that might damage your hair. Your hair remains smooth and free from knots throughout the night.

The nightingale-inspired Paolo Sebastian Spring/ Summer 2015-2016 Collection enchants all who see it just as a nightingale’s serenade enchants all who hear it. The designer has outdone himself with this collection that fuses vintage and modern, dramatic charm. The gowns are the quintessence of uniqueness, whimsy and femininity. They feature layers of tulle, ornate embroideries, metallic fringing and beaded feather embellishments.

Young designer Paul Vasileff sketched all the embroideries himself. Having featured at the London Fashion Week and Sydney’s Fashion Pallette, the beauty and classic elegance of his freshest creations come as no surprise. Each dress introduces new facets and brings the nightingale vision to life. Have a look at the wondrous pieces of art below.

At just twenty five years old, Vasileff’s achievements include featuring at London Fashion Week 2010 and graduating from Milan’s Europeo Istituto di Design. A ground-breaking show at Sydney’s 2012 Fashion Palette launched the label into the international sphere.

A firm favourite on both the runway and red carpet, Paolo Sebastian specialises in custom-made couture tailored to accentuate the beauty of the individual.

The Sareh Nouri collection of gowns and sashes can be found in bridal boutiques around the globe. They have been featured on top TV shows, such as TLC’s “Brides of Beverly Hills” the ‘Cake Smash’ episode of “Cake Boss” which aired in June of 2013 and have been seen on E! News with Giuliana Rancic.

The general trend in groomswear has been a combination of informal and individual style. For a classic, timeless and elegant look, a 3-piece suit mixed with a jazzy neck or bow tie and a pocket square will serve the purpose.

Looking for something smart with a casual twist? Opt for a 2-piece suit. For sophistication, wear a black tie, tuxedo or sharp suit. For something extremely casual, consider gingham shirts, colourful ties and suspenders. A floral or succulent boutonniere will make your look fresh and show who the man of the moment is. Check out the available groomswear styles below and find out which one suits you.